DATA RETRIEVAL APPARATUS

• US 20090024635A1
• Filed: 07/21/2008
• Published: 01/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IDT Electronic Products Limited (IDT International Limited)
• Original Assignee: IDT Electronic Products Limited (IDT International Limited)
• Inventors: Chan, Raymond
• Granted Patent: US 8,082,271 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 27/08 Globes celestial globes G09B27/06
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied

Abstract

Data retrieval apparatus comprises a base unit e.g. a geographic globe having a surface bearing a set of index information, and a pen-like operator separate from and co-operable wirelessly with the globe. The operator has a sensor for sensing the index information when it is brought close to the globe surface, a memory device for storing data information associated with the index information for retrieval based on a reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, a controller for retrieving said data information from the memory device by reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, and a speaker for announcing said data information retrieved by the controller.

Claims

1. A data retrieval apparatus comprising:

a) A base unit having a globe whose surface bearing a predetermined set of index information on geographical areas on said globe;

said base unit further comprising;

i) a memory device for storing data information associated with said index information;

ii) a controller for retrieving from the memory device the data information;

iii) a first wireless receiver connected to said controller;

iv) a second wireless transceiver for communicating with a remote network;

said second wireless transceiver connected to said controller;

v) a display unit, said display unit connected to said controller;

b) a handheld operator, said operator further comprising;

i) a sensor for sensing said index information when the sensor is brought close to the surface of the base unit;

ii) a first wireless transmitter, said first transmitter sending said index information to said first wireless receiver in said base unit;

wherein when said first wireless receiver receives said index information from said first wireless transmitter, said controller retrieves from said memory device the data information based on a first reference to said index information sensed by said sensor and displays said data information on said display unit.

2. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a second surface bearing a predetermined set of type information representing a plurality of types of the data information, for sensing by the sensor of the operator as a second reference, in conjunction with the first reference, for the controller to retrieve the data information.

3. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base unit includes a bottom part for supporting the body, the bottom part including the second surface.

4. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bottom part includes a third surface bearing a predetermined set of further index information in the form of a relatively more detailed map of a specific part of the world, for sensing by the sensor of the operator, as an alternative reference to the first reference, for retrieval of the data information by the controller.

5. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second surface is an outer surface of the bottom part and the third surface is an inner surface of the bottom part that is revealable by a user.

6. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bottom part has a member including the third surface and movable to reveal the third surface.

7. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein the index information is printed on the surface as codes.

8. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 2, wherein the type information is printed on the second surface as codes.

9. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 4, wherein the index information is printed on the third surface as codes.

10. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 7, wherein the codes comprise indiscernible dots on graphic or pictorial images.

11. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 4, wherein said data retrieval apparatus further contains a fourth surface which is detachable from said data retrieval apparatus, wherein letters, numbers or characters are printed on said fourth surface as codes;

whereby said fourth surface in combination with the operator may be used as an input device.

12. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein said display unit is a liquid crystal display screen.

13. The data retrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second wireless transceiver is a Wifi module.

15. The data retrieval system of claim 10, wherein said central server is further connected to a plurality of cameras, said plurality of cameras being connected to said central via said second network;

each said camera adapted to obtain images of a pre-determined view;

said images matched to a corresponding piece of said index information and data information.

16. The data retrieval system of claim 15, wherein said a plurality of cameras are placed in different places in different cities or geographical area.

17. The data retrieval system of claim 16, wherein said first and second network are the Internet.

18. The data retrieval system of claim 15, wherein said central server stores a predetermined duration of data information of every said camera.

19. The data retrieval system of claim 15, wherein said data retrieval apparatus retrieves real-time data information from said cameras.

20. The data retrieval system of claim 15, wherein said data retrieval apparatus further retrieves text or graphical information from the Internet according to said sensed index information.

14. A data retrieval system comprising:

a) a data retrieval apparatus comprising a surface comprising selected locations bearing a predetermined set of index information;

said apparatus configured to display data information on a display unit according to corresponding index information selected by a user on said surface;

b) a first network connected to said data retrieval apparatus;

c) a central server connected to said first network; and

d) a second network connected to said central server containing data information and image corresponding to said sensed index information;

wherein when said user selects a piece of said index information on said data retrieval apparatus said data retrieval apparatus requests and receives from said central server the data information and image, whereby information corresponding to any selected location can be displayed by said data retrieval apparatus.